Schock admitted to making “honest mistakes” as a congressman, but denied violating federal law

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During an interview last week, former Rep. Aaron Schock admitted to making mistakes as a congressman, but denied violating federal law.

Schock announced his resignation from the House in March of last year following questions surrounding misuse of funds in his campaign and congressional spending accounts, including reports that he redecorated his office with lavish decor inspired by "Downton Abbey."

Schock was interviewed by the Peoria Journal Star after returning to the House floor last Wednesday for the first time since resigning from Congress over a year ago.

The former Republican congressman told the Peoria Journal Star that he didn't have any details about the ongoing grand jury investigation into spending from his office allowance and political funds, but admitted to making "honest mistakes" during his time in Congress.

"It's not like I'm the Gambino crime family," he told the paper.

During the interview, Schock was adamant that he wasn't a "criminal," but admitted that he could have "done things better" during his time in Washington.

Schock returned to the House floor Wednesday for the first time since resigning from Congress over a year ago. He was in attendance to hear India Prime Minister Narenda Modi address a joint session of Congress.

The former congressman, who was particularly involved in India issues during his time in the House, shook Modi’s hand as he entered the chamber.